tires YAMAHA VMAX 2015 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION.................. 1-1
DESCRIPTION .................................. 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ............... 2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ...................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system......................... 3-1
Main switch/steering lock............... 3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights............................................ 3-4
Speedometer unit ........................... 3-7
Multi-function display ..................... 3-8
Handlebar switches ...................... 3-17
Clutch lever .................................. 3-19
Shift pedal .................................... 3-19
Brake lever.................................... 3-20
Brake pedal .................................. 3-20
ABS .............................................. 3-21
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-22
Fuel ............................................... 3-23
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ............................ 3-24
Catalytic converters...................... 3-24
Seats ............................................ 3-25
Adjusting the front fork ................. 3-27
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ................................... 3-29
Luggage strap holders ................. 3-31 EXUP system ................................ 3-31
Sidestand ...................................... 3-31
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-32
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................ 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kits ............................. 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system .............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ........................... 6-4
Removing and installing the cowling and panels ...................... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge.... 6-11
Final gear oil .................................. 6-14
Coolant.......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ............................ 6-19 Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-20
Checking the throttle grip free play ............................................ 6-20
Valve clearance............................. 6-20
Tires .............................................. 6-21
Cast wheels .................................. 6-23
Clutch lever................................... 6-23
Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-24
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and rear brake
pads .......................................... 6-25
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake and clutch
fluids .......................................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-27
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ............... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 6-28
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............. 6-28
Checking and lubricating the sidestand................................... 6-29
Lubricating the swingarm pivots......................................... 6-29
Checking the front fork ................. 6-30
Checking the steering................... 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-31U2CEE0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports. 
Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloa ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
 Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle
as possible and make sure to dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
Maximum loa d:
190 kg (419 lb)
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SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
6-21 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle. 
Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.
 Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
 Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-16
3

Pushing “RESET” displays the
Normal mode for five seconds.
Pushing “SELECT” and “RESET”
for at least three seconds, chang-
es the display to the Normal
mode.
 To perform further multi-function
display settings, enter the Select
mode again by pushing and hold-
ing “SELECT” and “RESET” for at
least three seconds.
Resetting the maintenance countersThis function allows you to reset the
maintenance counters for the tires, the
engine oil, and an item of your choice.
1. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Maintenance”.
2. Push “RESET”.
3. Push “SELECT” to highlight the item to reset. 4. Push “RESET” to reset the item.
TIP
The bottom area was left blank for
another item the rider cares to
check the distance of since it has
been changed, replaced or
checked (i.e., air filter element, en-
gine parts, etc.).
 Letters and numbers cannot be
entered in the blank area.5. Push “SELECT” to scroll to “ ”.
6. Push “RESET” to return to the pre-
vious menu. Self-d
iagnosis device
TIPThe display indicates error codes only
in the Normal mode.This model is equipped with a self-di-
agnosis device for various electrical
circuits.1. Immobilizer system indicator light
2. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
1. Error code display
2
1
1
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-25, 6-25
Clutch • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-23
Throttle g rip • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate ca-
ble and grip housing. 6-20, 6-27
Control ca bles • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary. 6-27
Wheels an d tires •Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
6-21, 6-23
Brake an d shift pe dals • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.
6-28
Brake an d clutch levers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-28
Si destan d • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.
6-29
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
• Tighten if necessary.
—
Instruments, li ghts, si gnals
an d switches • Check operation.
• Correct if necessary.
—
ITEM
CHECKS PAGE
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770K
General maintenance and lu brication chartNO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
1 *Air filter element •Replace. √
2 *Clutch • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√
3 *Front brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses • Check for cracks or damage.
• Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
• Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Brake flui d • Replace. Every 2 years
7 *Wheels • Check runout and for damage. √√√√
8 *Tires • Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary. √√√√√
9 *Wheel bearin gs • Check bearings for looseness or
damage. √√√√
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
EAU2177A
TiresTires are the only contact between the
vehicle and the road. Safety in all con-
ditions of riding depends on a relatively
small area of road contact. Therefore, it
is essential to maintain the tires in good
condition at all times and replace them
at the appropriate time with the speci-
fied tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted
before each ride.
WARNING
EWA10504
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.  The tire air pressure must be
checked and a djuste d on col d
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the am bient
temperature).
 The tire air pressure must be
a d juste d in accor dance with the
ri din g speed and with the total wei
ght of ri der, passen ger, car-
g o, an d accessories approve d
for this mo del.
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overloa d your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloa ded vehicle coul d
cause an acci dent.
Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail
or glass fragments in it, or if the side-
wall is cracked, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the tire immediately.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always com-
ply with the local regulations.
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires): Up to 90 k g (198 l b) loa d:
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
90 k g (198 l b) to maximum load :
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Hi gh-spee d ri din g:
Front: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire trea d d epth (front an d
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
6
WARNING
EWA10472
Have a Yamaha d ealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besid es
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to do so.
 Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10482
 The front an d rear tires shoul d
b e of the same make an d d e-
si gn, otherwise the han dlin g characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may b
e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.
 Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installe d to
prevent air pressure leaka ge.
 Use only the tire valves an d
valve cores liste d below to
avoi d tire deflation durin g a
hi gh-spee d ri de.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size: 120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028F G
Rear tire:
Size: 200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028R G
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core: #9100 (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
hi gh-spee d tires. Note the following
points in or der to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.  Use only the specifie d replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the dan ger of bursting at super
hi gh spee ds.
 Bran d-new tires can have a rel-
atively poor g rip on certain roa d
surfaces until they have been
“ b roken in”. Therefore, it is a d-
visa ble before doin g any hi gh-
speed ridin g to ri de conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installin g a new tire.
 The tires must b e warmed up
b efore a hi gh-spee d run.
 Always a djust the tire air pres-
sure accor din g to the operating
con ditions.
EAU21963
Cast wheelsTo maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
 The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends, warp-
age or other damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed or cracked wheel must be
replaced.
 The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU42851
Clutch leverSince this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch le-
ver free play is not needed. However, it
is necessary to check the hydraulic
system for leakage before each ride. If
the clutch lever free play does become
excessive, and shifting becomes rough
or clutch slippage occurs, causing
poor acceleration, there may be air in
the clutch system. If there is air in the
hydraulic system, have a Yamaha deal-
er bleed the system before operating
the motorcycle.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-3
7

Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the ti-
tanium mufflers, as they will re-
move the finish on the outer
surface of the mufflers.
 Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.
 Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the
exhaust pipe leading into the tita-
nium mufflers is normal and can-
not be removed.
After cleanin g
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts. 4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11132
Contaminants on the b rakes or tires
can cause loss of control.  Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, clean the b rake
d iscs an d b rake linin gs with a
re gular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, an d wash the tires with
warm water an d a mil d d eter-
g ent. Before rid ing at hi gher
spee ds, test the motorcycle’s
b rakin g performance an d cor-
nerin g b ehavior.
NOTICE
ECA10801
 Apply spray oil an d wax spar-
in gly an d make sure to wipe off
any excess.
 Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber an d plastic parts, but
treat them with a suita ble care
pro duct.
 Avoi d using abrasive polishin g
compoun ds as they will wear
away the paint.TIP Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
 Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
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